Tigers Collect Preseason Football Honors

June 17, 1998

CLEMSON, SC — Clemson football players Antwan Edwards, Jason Gamble, Rahim Abdullah, Robert Carswell and Adrian Dingle have been listed among the best in the nation at their position according to various preseason publications. All five players will be keys to Clemson’s drive for a fourth consecutive bowl game.

Edwards is a third-team preseason All-American according to Athlon’s Preseason Annual. The starting cornerback is also a first-team preseason All-ACC selection according to the publication. Edwards tied a school record last season with 15 passes broken up and paced the team in interceptions. He had two interceptions, including one for a touchdown, in Clemson’s 47-21 victory at South Carolina. Edwards is also ranked seventh in the nation among cornerbacks according to Lindy’s Preseason Annual.

Carswell, who will be a sophomore in 1998, is ranked ninth in the country among safeties according to Lindy’s. Carswell started the last six games last season and had 51 tackles. The publication also ranks Clemson’s secondary as the sixth best in the nation.

Lindy’s ranks Clemson outside linebacker Rahim Abdullah as the sixth best player in the nation at his position. Abdullah was Clemson’s MVP of the Peach Bowl last year when he blocked two punts and had a sack. He had 73 tackles a year ago.

Gamble and Dingle are ranked as the best rising seniors in the nation at their respective positions by the National Scouting Group. The Arizona Republic published the list of the service’s top rising seniors by position and Gamble was rated the best center and Dingle the top outside linebacker.